UBS commits to double client donations for Typhoon Haiyan relief efforts in the Philippines up to a total of CHF 3 million

In response to the devastation in the central Philippines caused by Typhoon Haiyan, UBS today announced that it is committing to match donations from clients for Typhoon Haiyan relief efforts up to a total of CHF 3 million. This is in addition to its long-standing matched giving program for UBS employees.

Zuerich/Basel, 18 November 2013 – UBS clients in Switzerland, Hong Kong and Germany can donate to the disaster relief program of UBS's independent grant-making foundation - the UBS Optimus Foundation - which will work together with partners in the affected areas with a specific focus on meeting the needs of children.

UBS has seeded an initial CHF 250,000 to the UBS Optimus Foundation and will match client donations to the Foundation up to a total of CHF 3 million. A Wealth Management client event in the Philippines scheduled for next week should provide a further major fund-raising opportunity to help with the disaster relief efforts. This unique approach, through a partnership with our clients, is another demonstration of the firm's strong commitment to respond to critical needs swiftly and creatively in areas where we do business.

UBS will also match all employee donations to the local chapters of the Red Cross, our global partner for disaster relief. In addition, employees in Switzerland and Hong Kong may also choose to donate to the UBS Optimus Foundation to support their Philippines program.

In a show of solidarity, the UBS Equities team in Manila has committed to donate a day’s trading commissions to the Philippines National Red Cross.

UBS is committed to support disaster relief and rehabilitation efforts in its local communities. Through its Community Affairs program in the Philippines, and the UBS Optimus Foundation, UBS will work to ensure it achieves a long-term impact with its engagement.

Sergio P. Ermotti, UBS Group Chief Executive Officer said “We offer our deepest sympathy to all those who have been affected by this terrible natural disaster. I am proud of the way our employees around the globe have stepped up to help those impacted, and hope that the firm's support and employee and client contributions will go some way towards relieving the suffering of those affected and help speed up the rebuilding and recovery efforts. While it will take a long time before these areas recover fully, we will continue to provide targeted support for sustainable community regeneration.”